Taiwan Reportedly Giving Free S$220 Vouchers or Cash to Tourists to Boost Tourism

If you’re trying to decide where to go for your next overseas trip, Taiwan’s probably a destination you’ll want to consider.

And not simply because it’s a bubble tea haven (although that itself is already enough reason to visit).

It’s because the government recently announced that it would be issuing monetary incentives to international travellers.

Yes, they’re paying you to travel.

Here’s what you need to know.

Around $220 to be Given to Each Visitor

According to reports by TVBS, Taiwan’s Minister of Transportation and Communications Wang Kwo-tsai said on Wednesday (22 February) that the Taiwanese government has plans to hand out NT$5,000 (approximately S$220) to each international traveller.

In total, 500,000 travellers are expected to benefit from this scheme.

Apart from that, he also revealed that Taiwan aims to attract six million foreign visitors to Taiwan this year after the borders reopen.

Additionally, as part of Taiwan’s NT5.3 billion package to boost tourism, travel agencies will also receive NT$10,000 or NT$20,000 (approximately S$440 or S$880) for each tour group that they bring into Taiwan.

Unclear As To How the Government Will Issue the Money

However, although the scheme sounds great, more details regarding the scheme, such as how the government will distribute the money to travellers, are still unavailable as of now.

Currently, Taipei Times reported that the government would issue the money through vouchers, but Taiwan News has mentioned that the money will be distributed in cash.

On the other hand, Bloomberg said that Taiwanese officials have announced that the money would be distributed via electronic means or offered as discounts for travellers’ accommodation.

Additionally, the Taiwan government has yet to publish any information regarding the criteria for foreign travellers to be eligible for the scheme and how they can be chosen to receive the vouchers, discounts or cash.

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As part of Taiwan’s Post-Pandemic Stimulus Bill, NT$380 billion has been set aside, and the bill was passed on Tuesday (21 February).

The tourism package is included in the bill.

Apart from the tourism package, other aspects of the bill include issuing NT$6,000 (approximately S$265) to all citizens and tax-paying permanent residents, as well as incentivising the hospitality industry to provide better service at hotels by giving employers NT$5,000 (approximately S$220) worth of subsidies every month if they increase the salaries of their service staff or janitors.